PCB milling, also known as isolation milling, is a subtractive manufacturing method used to create circuit boards by removing unwanted copper from a substrate.
Understanding PCB Milling
Printed circuit board (PCB) milling is a specific type of milling process. As the reference states, it involves removing areas of copper from a sheet of printed circuit board (PCB) material. This is done using a rotating cutting tool, similar to how a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine works, but specifically for circuit board substrates.
The primary goal of this process is to recreate the pads, signal traces, and structures that make up an electronic circuit according to a specific pattern. This pattern comes from a digital design file, often referred to as a layout file or Gerber file.
How it Works
Instead of adding material like 3D printing, PCB milling is a subtractive process. It precisely carves away the conductive copper layer, leaving behind only the desired traces and pads needed for components to connect.
Key aspects of PCB milling include:
- Process: Uses a milling tool to physically remove copper.
- Material: Works on standard PCB material (substrate with a copper layer).
- Purpose: Creates the conductive pathways (traces) and connection points (pads).
- Input: Guided by a digital circuit board plan (layout file).
- Alternative Name: Also known as isolation milling, because the process isolates the desired copper traces by milling away the surrounding copper.
This method is often used for rapid prototyping or in educational settings where quick turnaround and on-site production are needed, as it doesn't require the chemicals used in traditional etching.
